Kenya · learning opportunities
Leah Oginga
Leah grew up in rural schools with limited textbooks, laboratories and career guidance, while seeing practical skills dismissed as inferior.
She addresses the stigma surrounding technical and vocational education in rural Kenya, where it is often seen as a last option for academic failures.
Her organization MEDO in Oyugis provides community dialogue, financial support and workplace mentorship so young people can pursue vocational careers with pride and opportunity.
India · Rural development
Sethok Tinnyan
Sethok grew up in a displaced family in Arunachal Pradesh and faced educational exclusion after a local leader unfairly denied him admission to a prestigious school.
He nevertheless became the first postgraduate from his Ollo community.
Through the Shumhak Foundation, Sethok revitalises abandoned schools in remote border villages, providing bilingual education, clean water, meals, distance learning and practical skills for children with few educational opportunities.
Zimbabwe – Women empowerment
Adbel Nyanzira
Adbel survived gender-based violence, child marriage at 17, childhood health challenges and years of rejection after escaping an abusive marriage.
She now addresses the lack of safe reintegration for survivors, many of whom return to abusers because they have nowhere else to go.
Through her organisation REROUTE, Adbel provides transitional housing, trauma healing, livelihood training and community dialogue to help women rebuild independent, dignified lives.
